Degan

“Little black one”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7849US 2023

10Births / yr

↑Rising

513All-time births

📅 Since 199900

What does Degan mean and where does it come from?

Degan is an Irish name, which can be spelled as 'Déagán' in Gaelic. It has historical roots in Ireland, typically signifying someone of dark complexion or hair. The name reflects a heritage that values bravery and warrior-like qualities, as it can also refer to a courageous individual. Over the year

Cultural significance

Degan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little black one.

Peak popularity

Reached #2680 in 2008 — currently #7849 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Degan?

Degan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Degan Grace

How popular is Degan right now?

Rising fast — up 3341 spots — currently #7849 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#7849 · Top 5.8%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7849	10	▲ up 3341 · +67% births
2022	#11190	6	▼ down 2173 · -25% births
2021	#9017	8	▲ up 92
2020	#9109	8	▼ down 3881 · -56% births
2015	#5228	18	▼ down 1857 · -45% births
2010	#3371	33	▼ down 283 · -3% births
2005	#3088	34	▲ up 5050 · +325% births
2000	#8138	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Degan

Best Year2005Rank #3088

Peak Count34

Average Rank#7124

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Degan

Degan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 513 total births recorded, Degan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8138 in 2000 to #7849 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Degan in 2008:

Jacob Michael Ethan Joshua Daniel

Degan by decade

Degan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	7
2000s ★	277
2010s	221
2020s	8

💎Degan has only 513 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Degan?

Common

DegDegieDegy

What names sound and feel like Degan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Degan also consider these

Deagan

Ireland · blacksmith's son

Ireland · Descendant of Riagán,

Dregan

Ireland · Irish

Egan

Ireland · Little fire

Degnan

French · A French name

Declan

Ireland · Irish

Common questions about the name Degan

What does the name Degan mean?

Degan means "Little black one" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Degan?

Degan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Degan?

Degan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Degan a common or rare name?

Degan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Degan?

Degan naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.